News

Fr. Mackin to step down as Mount president next year

December 18, 2013

Newburgh, NY -

Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, the fifth president of Mount Saint
Mary College, will be stepping down after the conclusion of the
2013-14 academic year.

He will have served as president of the college for six years,
and as a Franciscan friar, professor, and executive for more than
50 years, including 11 years as president of Siena College where he
holds the title of president emeritus.

Fr. Mackin, who said his plans include addressing health issues,
has guided Mount Saint Mary College during a time of seismic
changes in regional and national economies and priorities.

“I have had great joy serving at the Mount,” said the esteemed
educator, who will be 76 next year. “As we culminate our first ever
strategic plan, I’ve given this transition much thought. I pray
that the administrators, faculty, staff and students, along with
the Board of Trustees, are poised for a new planning process to
address the ever changing world of higher education.”

“Fr. Kevin has served with great distinction,” said Dr. Albert
J. Gruner, chairman of the board for the college. “He led the Mount
in its first five-year strategic plan, hired faculty strategically,
and improved institutional practice, while also doubling
applications for enrollment and expanding our academic
offerings.”

Since 2008, Mount Saint Mary College achieved specialized
accreditation for its academic business programs, a fully online RN
to BS degree program, an interdisciplinary major in technology and
digital media, and a new sports management concentration.

Fr. Mackin praised the efforts of longtime Mount Saint Mary
College supporter William Kaplan for his work on the campus and at
the Newburgh Armory. He also commended the faculty, staff and
students who step up in providing active educational services at
the facility.

Fr. Mackin’s idea of encouraging community service among the
student-athletes is now distinguished as the “Knights in the
Community.”

Under Fr. Mackin's direction, the college purchased the
Dominican Center, and launched “A Call to Excellence: The Campaign
for the Dominican Center” in 2012, to raise $10 million for the
transformation to a new, truly state-of-the-art library and
living-learning environment. “Students and faculty/staff are
absolutely thrilled with the opportunity the Dominican Center
presents,” said Fr. Mackin, “and Cardinal Dolan has arranged to
dedicate the building next year.”

The college will be doing a national search for a president. For
more information contact Dr. Albert J. Gruner at 845-569-3202.

Key accomplishments during the presidency of Fr. Kevin E.
Mackin, OFM, at Mount Saint Mary College

Established the Catholic and Dominican Institute at Mount Saint
Mary College

Achieved specialized accreditation for the Mount's academic
business programs

Hired more full-time faculty and improved student/faculty
ratio

Ranked a Tier 1 Regional University by U.S. News & World
Report

Created a fully online RN to BS degree program

Introduced the interdisciplinary major in technology and
digital media

Focused on academic and co-curricular environment

Implemented a new sports management concentration and expanded
the inter-collegiate athletic programs, now including 20 varsity
teams

With Fr. Mackin's direction, the college purchased the
Dominican Center, and launched “A Call to Excellence: The Campaign
for the Dominican Center”